Number
051065
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. MURPHY
Title
Resolution requesting the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to resume invasive weed control programs along state highways.
Analysis
This resolution requests the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to resume its invasive weed control programs along state highways. Under state law, highway patrolmen are required to destroy invasive weeds on state patrolled highways. As such, WisDOT previously established programs to control invasive weeds but later stopped these programs in 2004 when funding was reduced.
Body
Whereas, Invasive weeds, such as garlic mustard and buckthorn, are crowding out native Wisconsin foliage, altering the state’s sensitive ecosystem and threatening local flora and fauna; and
Whereas, The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has ceased its invasive weed control programs and stopped controlling the invasive weeds growing along state trunk highways, which is impeding the efforts of the Milwaukee County Parks Division and various friends groups to minimize the spread and growth of these invasive weeds in Milwaukee; and
Whereas, To foster a healthy ecosystem in Milwaukee and Wisconsin, WisDOT must resume its invasive weed control programs; and
Whereas, Section 66.0407 (3), Wis. Stats., requires highway patrolmen to destroy all noxious weeds on any highway they patrol, making it the responsibility of WisDOT workers to control invasive weeds growing along state trunk highways; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City of Milwaukee requests that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation resume invasive weed control programs along state highways.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB 05485-1
RAC
12/1/05